South Coast Prime Times November/December 2017

S o u t h

C o a s t

Prime timeS Nov e m ber / De c e m ber 2 017 • Volum e 13 • Num ber 6

Making connections Get into giving Seizing retirement Top tech — SponSor ed by —

Halting hunger

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N ov ember /D ecember 2017

CONTENTS In every issue

4 From the publisher 26 In brief

by Elizabeth Morse Read

Prime season

6

8

Building Fall River

by Greg Jones Helping helpers

by Dan Logan

Prime living

12 Will you enjoy retirement?

by Henry M. Quinlan

22

20 Pass the plate

by Elizabeth Morse Read

24 A funny thing happened

by Paul Kandarian

Good times

14 Grand gadgets

by Dan Logan

16 Convenient connections

by Jay Pateakos

18 Fostering success

by Joyce Rowley

S o u t h

Nov e m ber / De c e m ber

On the cover: Fall River Municipal Credit Union President and CEO Matthew Schondek constantly seeks new ways to make connections with his members. For an update on how FRMCU is staying up-to-date, turn to page 16 or visit frmcu.com.

C o a s t

Prime timeS 2 017 • Volum e 13 • Num ber 6

Making connections Get into giving Seizing retirement Top tech Halting hunger

— SponSor ed by —

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FROM THE PUBLISHER November/December 2017 n Vol. 13 n No. 6 Published by

Coastal Communications Corp.

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

This is a time for coming together – not just for huddling for warmth, but also for reaffirming and rekindling relationships.

These next couple months see families, friends, and neighbors reuniting to eat and pray and celebrate together. This season’s issue is dedicated to that spirit.

Ljiljana Vasiljevic Editor

Sebastian Clarkin Online editor

Paul Letendre Contributors

Greg Jones, Paul Kandarian, Dan Logan, Jay Pateakos, Henry M. Quinlan, Elizabeth Morse Read, and Joyce Rowley South Coast Prime Times is published bi-monthly.

Copyright ©2017 Coastal Communications Corp.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, by any means, without written permission from the Publisher. All information contained herein is believed to be reliable. Coastal Communications Corp. does not assume any financial responsibility for typographical errors in advertisements, but will reprint that portion of an advertisement in which the typographical error occurs.

Next issue December 13, 2017

On page 8, Dan Logan highlights four local churches whose efforts to do good works are unceasing and unfaltering. Whether through contributions of food, clothing, or simple shelter, these small congregations are making a big impact. Check to see how you can help, and don’t limit your efforts to only these four!

Retirement, as Henry M. Quinlan discusses on page 12, can be a lonely experience. There are numerous programs to help seniors forge new and rewarding lives. The Foster Grandparents Program has been around for 35 years and continues to mix aged wisdom and patience with youthful energy and spontaneity. To learn more about the program and its goals, turn to Joyce Rowley’s article on page 18.

As citizens in the land of plenty, it can be all too easy to forget how many of our friends and neighbors go without. On page 20, Elizabeth Morse Read reminds us that despite the bounty we will be sharing and enjoying this season, too many of us will go hungry or undernourished. By understanding the problem, we can all begin to take steps to solve it.

The togetherness of this season is couched in traditions dating back centuries and millennia. These rituals allow us to center ourselves and to re-focus on what matters most: each other. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year.

Circulation 25,000

Subscriptions $19.95 per year

M ailing address South Coast Prime Times P.O. Box 3493 Fall River, MA 02722

Ljiljana Vasiljevic Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

Phone (508) 677-3000

Website coastalmags.com

E-mail editor@coastalmags.com

Our advertisers make this publication possible —please support them

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N ov ember /D ecember 2017

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PRIME SEASON

Building

Fall River The town of Fall River was built by the labors of what must have seemed like an endless supply of new immigrants.

“First it was the English and the Irish,” said Philip Silvia. He is a former member of the Board of Directors of the Fall River Historical Society (FRHS) and was recently honored for his service to the Society with the awarding of the Florence Cook Brigham award.

“The English came here with skills developed working in the textile mills in [Lancashire County] England,” he said, “and so did the Irish who had worked in Manchester, Lancashire, and similar places.”

Lancashire’s mills and its workforce fell on hard times during the American Civil War when Union blockade vessels virtually stopped the shipment of baled cotton from the secessionist South to Lancashire. This became known as the

Greg Jones

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Cotton Panic, and many skilled English mill workers emigrated to Fall River.

After the Civil War ended came the French Canadians, and each successive immigrant group put downward pressure on the textile worker’s wages. This resulted in a series of strikes, and mill management was often aided in the settlement of

Christmas

celebrations were not the fiscal bacchanal they have become in recent years

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these strikes by the government, “government siding with management to beat strikes,” said Silvia.

Strikers sometimes gave up on a settlement; they would run out of money and move to another textile town, such as those along the Blackstone River in Rhode Island.

The various ethnic groups did not work in a concerted manner to settle labor disputes.

“There was some animosity between groups,” said Connie Mendes. She is another FRHS volunteer, with 27 years in her “second career” as a volunteer.

She was also recently recognized for her service with the Florence Cook Brigham award.

Language played a part in this. The various ethnic groups lived in distinct neighborhoods and “there were shops that only spoke one language. If you came over from Portugal you would go there,” said Connie. The groups did not mingle or interact socially. “That’s why whenever there were strikes the workers

would never win because they would not get together,” she said.

ther Christmas, Santa Claus, Kris Kringle or Saint Nicholas. This was not the holiday experience for most of the citizens City lights of Fall River. The families who worked Even for holidays the various ethnic in the mills could not afford Christmas groups did not celebrate together, “unless vacations and long gift lists. it was a factory where many ethnic groups However, if we move our exploration of were employed,” said Dennis Binette. He Christmas memories uphill a bit to the is the assistant curator of the FRHS, and Highlands area of Fall River, for example, he addressed the subject of holidays. then the images of a Victorian Christmas Factory Christmas parties are a very might have been more evident. recent phenomenon and did not come on Fortunately, the Fall River Historical to the scene until the mid-twentieth cenSociety is here to facilitate and make tury. Church parishes “were very separate available one of the finest recreations ethnically,” said of a Victorian Dennis, so even Christmas available Christmas celanywhere. ebrations were he celebration of “The most popular not an occasion celebration at the hristmas as we for mingling Historical Society outside of one’s know it had many is the holiday Open ethnic group.

House, running Christmas celof its origins in daily from the ebrations were Saturday before ictorian ngland not the fiscal Thanksgiving bacchanal they with decorated through Decemhave become ber 30, excluding trees piles of in recent years. holidays.

“Perhaps it is a The FRHS buildgifts under a tree matter of scale,” ing, located at 451 suggested and a jolly old elf Rock Street in Fall Dennis, “they River, is the only dressed in red had less money example of the sort so the relative of mansion built amount was by the very wealthy smaller.” mill owners during Actual, tanthe period of Fall gible money River’s greatest affluence. It is built of Fall was even more scarce. “Employees lived River granite, more often seen in mills in housing owned by the mills, they and commercial buildings than private bought their supplies from the company homes. store. There wasn’t money to send,” said The building was once located on Dennis.

Columbia Street, but in 1870 the owner Christmas, for the average textile worker decided to move it to The Highlands in the nineteenth and early twentieth (“That’s where the rich people lived,” said century, was not a paid holiday, so perConnie.). The building was disassembled, haps it was just as well that it was often stone by stone, hauled up the hill, and only a single day. reassembled.

“You didn’t start to see many street It would be a worthy use of a day to visit decorations until the garlands on Main this magnificent building and just marvel Street, the double bells suspended over at it, but there are far more entertaining the street, until the late 1940’s and early activities and events to partake of at the 1950’s,” said Dennis. “The Fifties was also Fall River Historical Society. It’s a long list when there was a larger-than-life manger – to plan a visit you would be best served exhibit with live animals at South (now by starting with a visit to the website, Kennedy) Park.” lizzieborden.org or give them a call at The celebration of Christmas as we 508-679-1071. know it had many of its origins in Victorian England, with decorated trees, piles G reg J ones is a local writer and lives in of gifts under a tree and a jolly old elf Dartmouth. dressed in red and known variously as Fa-

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Fall River Historical Society

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December Events Victorian High Tea in Easton Tea Room Through December 23, 2017 Fine English teas, our famous scones, tea sandwiches, savories, and dainty pastries served in Easton Tea Room’s three elegant and intimate parlors with original period details. Located in the historic 1870 Alexander Dorrance Easton house adjacent to the FRHS at 458 High Street. Open for the holiday season on Saturdays and Sundays. Reservations recommended.

Tea with Mrs. Claus December 2, 2017 Easton Tea Room in the historic 1870 Alexander Dorrance Easton house at 458 High St. provides a charming setting for young ladies and gentlemen to enjoy our annual High Tea and fun with Mrs. Claus.

For children ages 3 to 8. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Seatings at 11:30, and 1:30. Reservations required. Please call early as this event always sells out quickly.

Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus December 17, 2017, 1 to 4 p.m.

Young and old alike are cordially invited to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. Visits take place in the lavishly decorated Music Room, where the jolly duo will greet guests in front of one of our dazzling Christmas trees. Please bring your own camera. A volunteer will be on hand to take photos at your request.

Admission is free.

Call 508-679-1071 ext. 5

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PRIME SEASON

Helping

helpers Thanksgiving and Christmas focus the efforts of many area churches on helping disadvantaged and homeless South Coast residents to get through the coldest months.

Dan Logan

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's 2015 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress reported 21,135 people in Massachusetts "experiencing homelessness" during a January/February 2015 count, according to the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless website.

We cannot completely solve the never-ending problems of low income and homelessness, but we can make a difference to people who are struggling from day to day. Check with any church to find out what contribution you can make.

First Baptist Church in Fall River The First Baptist Church in Fall River has several programs underway for homeless residents and other members of the community, says Community Health Worker Channa Guinard.

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Helping the homeless on cold winter days is a priority. "After the shelters close in the morning, the church opens a Warming Center where they can get coffee and a continental breakfast," she says.

The Warming Center can always use such non-monetary donations as coffee, creamer (powdered non-dairy), sugar and sugar substitutes, as well as travelsized men and women hygiene products, and men's and women’s razors.

A second program called Warm Heart Warm Feet collects and distributes socks, boots, hats, gloves, and coats to homeless residents.

One of the congregation's members puts up flyers in area businesses asking for donations of cold weather clothing and making the program known to people in need of winter clothing.

Finally, the Clothing Ministry at the church's Pine Street entrance, open four days a week, offers free clothing to the homeless.

The Clothing Ministry has been able to expand its community service impact by

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looking for connections to other organizations and agencies doing similar work.

For example, it coordinates with Steppingstone Inc., a United Way agency in Fall River that provides residential and support services for substance abusers.

Guinard explains that volunteers from Steppingstone's Stone Residence work at the Clothing Ministry, helping to organize and distribute the clothing.

The volunteers' work hours count toward meeting their community service requirements, so the community benefits in several ways from the linkage between organizations.

The church's efforts generate significant amounts of usable gear. In August the Clothing Ministry held a clothing drive that yielded more than 1,000 pounds of "gently used clothing" and other useful items, as well as almost $250 in funds.

Contributions of clothing and other items can be made to the First Baptist Church at 228 North Main Street in Fall River. For more information call 508672-5381 or visit fbcfallriver.org.

Our L ady of Mt. Carmel in Seekonk Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Seekonk works closely with the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul to provide food to those who need it in Seekonk and Rehoboth. The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is an international Catholic lay organization that collaborates with other groups and agencies on basic food and clothing campaigns, as well as on more complicated community support issues.

The Society has a sophisticated infrastructure reaching down to the church level that makes more efficient

use of available resources by identifying people who can use help. Over the course of the year SVDP volunteers go out in two-person teams to visit needy families and individuals to determine what kind of assistance is needed.

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church is located at 984 Taunton Avenue in Seekonk. Call the church at 508-3365549 or the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul at 401-603-8888 for information about where to drop off food donations.

Grace Episcopal Church in New Bedford At Grace Episcopal Church in New Bedford, the Grace Church Food Pantry gives away food twice a week, on Wednesday and Fridays mornings, to those in need in the Greater New Bedford community, says church administrator Katie Driscoll. "We provide food for three days of meals for each member of the family. This includes bread, fresh produce, paper goods, eggs, and milk, as available. Families can visit the food pantry once per month."

At Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas the church's Laundry Love program helps the needy with their laundry, one of those necessary tasks often overlooked by people wanting to help the needy. For program details call Tom Cabral at 508-997-1657 or email at thomas. cabral@aol.com.

On November 4 the church will hold its 38th Annual Bittersweet Bazaar, a fundraiser for its missions and community outreach programs. The bazaar, which will feature silent and Chinese auctions, a bake table, raffles, and holiday items, runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Grace Church is located at 133 School Street, New Bedford. Call 508-993-0547 or visit gracechurchnb.org for more information.

First Congregational Church of M arion At the First Congregational Church of Marion "there's a monthly collection of food items for the Damien Center's food pantry in Wareham, but in November we have a special canned food drive and usually collect over 300 canned items for the pantry," says Judith Coykendall, the Chairman of Personnel and Property for the church, adding, "Food is the biggest need that everyone has."

Sue Kenny of the church's Missions Committee notes that First Congregational regularly donates new socks for the homeless to the "foot clinic" in New Bedford, but this holiday season it has been asked to donate shoes as well.

The church provides full meals to needy families at Thanksgiving, and presents and grocery gift cards to local families at Christmas.

Contributions of socks, shoes, and canned food can be made to the church at 28 Main Street, Marion. Visit marionfirstchurch.org for office hours or call 508-748-1053.

The Damien Center, which focuses on HIV/AIDS prevention and care, also has regular need of new and unopened hygiene items and toiletries such as shampoo, laundry pods, toilet paper, soap, adult and child diapers, and toothbrushes and toothpaste.

Dan L ogan is a freelance writer and photographer from Fairhaven, MA. E-mail him at dlogan@thegrid.net.

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What can we do?

How can we help?

B y Dan B rulé

T

hese days, my mind turns to the wave of natural disasters – floods, hurricanes, earthquakes – that have occurred recently. Human suffering makes my heart ache. It also wakes up the natural compassion that lives in my heart. And I am willing to bet that it does the same for you.

So many people have lost their homes, their jobs, their precious possessions, and their loved ones: not only in Houston, southern Florida, and Puerto Rico, but in so many other places around the world.

So many people are suffering the ravages of fire, floods, earthquakes, war, terrorism, disease, divorce, bankruptcy, accidents, and injuries. The sheer number of people who are desperately trying to stave off what seems like endless sadness and despair is mind numbing. In times like these, when so many hopes and dreams and lives are lost or destroyed, we can use a few angels.

We are all angels when we look for ways to turn our natural compassion into action. We are all angels when we ask: “What can I do? How can I help?

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How can I make a real difference right now?”

Keeping those suffering people in our thoughts and prayers is a good and noble thing. Being grateful for our own blessings and good fortune is also important.

We are all angels when we look for ways to turn our natural compassion into action.

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But massive collective action is what is needed most.

What can you do to provide or support emergency services? What can you do to help with the basics of survival: food, water, shelter? Can you contribute your time, your expertise, your money, your personal energy?

I recently read a blog by resilience expert Ken Druck, and I came away with some very important reminders. I ask you to consider the following if you truly want to help someone who is caught up in a tragedy.

Practice empathy and patience People in the midst of suffering can be very difficult to be around. Nothing we say seems to help, and sometimes it seems they don’t even want our help. They just want their lives back, their homes back.

They want their loved ones back. Sometimes all we can do is simply listen and offer encouragement.

Keep your judgments to yourself Feelings of fear, helplessness, anger, grief, confusion, humiliation, despair, and guilt can hijack us or overwhelm us in times of great peril or suffering. Leave

your opinions, criticisms, and politics out of it. Open your heart and show kindness. Pretty simple basic stuff when you get right down to it, but not always easy to remember or practice.

Practice compassion

and understanding When someone’s life or the lives of their families and friends have been turned upside down, we need to do our best to understand what they are going through, physically, emotionally, and psychologically. And it is especially important that we not try to put a positive religious, psychological, or metaphysical spin on what has happened or is happening.

Mobilize support services Inspire and enlist others in your community to help victims deal with their loss and trauma. Tap into the collective compassion of your community, your company, your church, or professional association. Do what you can to bring together those in need with experts at developing effective strategies and delivering vital resources.

What if we could motivate (not mandate) communal action like that? What if we could unleash and organize the natural collective compassion we all feel?

What if we could bring the “think globally, act locally” idea to life in a real and practical way? What a difference we could make!

Supporting Health & Fitness forEveryone,Everyday

We are one This is not just a pretty spiritual idea or a noble philosophy. It is a fact in reality.

We are all connected. Whether you feel it or not, realize it or not, believe it or not, whatever happens to any of us happens to all of us.

Take in a long inhale as you focus on what is happening around you in the world. And take in a long inhale as you focus on the feelings that come up in you as look around at the suffering. Then ask yourself: “What can I do to help? How can I make a difference?”

Then take another deep breath, let it out, and do something, damn it! Get creative and find a way to turn your natural compassion into positive action!

Roll up your sleeves and pitch in Do whatever is within your power and ability to do. Volunteer your time, donate money, or motivate others to participate in local or national efforts to help those affected by tragedy.

“Rising up from the ashes, coming back from a disaster, fighting our way back to life,” as Ken Druck writes, “is perhaps the greatest triumph of the human spirit.”

And so is turning our natural compassion into positive action. Both of these things happen one breath at a time, one step at a time, and one loving word, touch, or deed at a time.

When I took Breathwork to the Soviet Union in 1990, I learned about a very powerful movement inspired (and required) by Lenin. It was called Subbotnik, which is a play on their word for “Saturday.”

Several times a year, on a Saturday, everyone from coast to coast, from north to south, went out onto the street and cleaned up their little part of the world.

Soldiers, schoolchildren, hospital and factory workers, police, scientists, athletes, academics, farmers, housewives – every single person in the country focused on cleaning up the streets and sidewalks and parks in their neighborhood. In that way, in one day, the whole country got cleaned up!

KEEP MOVING KEEP IMPROVING

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For seniors enrolled in Senior Whole Health your membership cost may be covered by your health insurance! We also offer affordable member rates for folks on a fixed income.

Visit Your local YMCA today!

WAREHAM • SWANSEA • NEW B EDFORD FALL RIVER• DARTMOUTH• MATTAPOISETT

Dan Brulé is the author of Just Breathe: Master Breathwork for Success in Life, Love, Business and Beyond. He is a pioneer in the field of Breathwork, and the worldrenowned leader of the Spiritual Breathing movement. Dan is native of New Bedford and lives in Mattapoisett. He is a former US Navy Deep Sea Diver, he is one of the originators of Breath Therapy, a Master of Prana Yoga (The Hindu Science of Breath), and an expert in Chi Kung (Chinese Medical Breathing Exercises).

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Visit breathmastery.com to read his latest blog, become a member of the Breath Mastery Inner Circle and learn all about Breathwork!

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FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT® FOR HEALTHY LIVING FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

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N ov ember /D ecember 2017

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PRIME LIVING

Will you enjoy retirement or fake it?

by H enry M. Q uinl an

N

inety-nine percent of retirement information is financial. Here’s the other one percent.

I have experienced more than ten years of retirement in a modified form (I have continued to work part-time) and have learned during that period, both from personal experience and observation, that too many people don’t find the satisfaction they deserve in retirement.

There are a variety of reasons for this, chief of which are health issues. Those with health issues in retirement focus most of their energy on improving or maintaining their health – and this is understandable. Other issues that hold people back in retirement are emotional in nature. The primary one is the inability to deal with loss and change.

Retirement involves major changes in your life and each of these changes involves a loss that must be mourned and processed. The retiree’s life is moving in a different direction and that does not happen effortlessly.

Some financial institutions boast the strength of their financial planning and guarantee the “golden life” in retirement.

The reality of retirement does not support

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this claim. Yes, financial health is important, but so is emotional health.

Comfortably numb The failure to deal with the emotional side of retirement often leads to what Joann M. Montepare, PhD, director of a center on aging, describes people as being in a “living hell” in retirement.

It is easy to understand how overwhelming these challenges can be and it is a reason many people retreat to the familiar in retirement, rather than forging a new rewarding life.

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One reason is the cultural perception of retirement – that “retirement is joy.” Retirees who do not feel the joy don’t admit it because of societal pressure. If you are retired, then you are living the good life.

I have often asked friends, strangers, and family, “How is retirement?” Most often, the response is, “Wonderful, I don’t know where the hours go, I am just so busy.”

The comment is a hint that they have not really engaged in the new phase of their lives. If I probe a little, I soon discover that the hours are eaten up by doing familiar jobs, but taking much longer to do them. The one-hour grocery shopping now takes two to three hours; the gardening requires more time, etc.

Too many retirees fail to foresee or plan for the many changes that will take place in their lives. As a result, many are blindsided by the unexpected emotional turmoil. This starts when they are confronted with the challenge of filling 200 hours a month that had been previously devoted to work and the related transportation time. Added to this challenge are changes of identity, marriage, eating, sleeping, and more. It is easy to understand how overwhelming these challenges can be and

it is a reason many people retreat to the familiar in retirement, rather than forging a new rewarding life. There is comfort in the familiar but it is deceiving – it can sometimes lead to physical and mental issues and a life of isolation.

Isolation is major problem in retirement. Studies have shown that loneliness, in both men and women, increases the chances of physical and emotional problems, the biggest threat being Alzheimer’s disease. It is often too easy to say no to any kind of involvement. This is particularly true for men, who tend to be less social than women.

Women often feel loneliness because they miss the social interactions and comradeship their work environment offered. Another contributing factor to loneliness in retirement, especially for women, is having grown children who have moved away.

Studies show that more and more people live alone as they age. Later in retirement, 43 percent of nursing home residents do not have any visitors.

Make retirement great again A key to looking forward to retirement is to realize you may have 25 or more years of life with relatively good health. So the question becomes: “What do I want to with my new life that will bring me satisfaction and a feeling of wellbeing?”

For some the answer lies in work – I am one of this number. Some may decide to start a business, while others may volunteer. There are any number of options, and no one plan fits all.

But every successful retiree makes a plan.

A good starting point for creating a plan is to reflect on your past and examine what you really want to do with your life. Maybe it’s time to dust off an old passion like writing a book, getting more education, or building the best “English” garden in town.

All can be legitimate goals – just make sure they are your goals. Pursuing these goals will enhance your retirement many fold. Don’t be afraid to dig around to find the gold for your golden years.

H enry M. Q uinl an, 76, semi-retired presenter – “Don’t Forget to Bounce the Last Check: A Non- Financial Guide to Finding Meaning, Identity and Purpose in Retirement” available at omni-pub.com. He can be reached by phone at 508-273-6205.

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13

GOOD TIMES

Grandparents, Grandchildren,

and Gadgets You can pretty much bet that your grandchildren have heard the iPhone X will soon be released and that they have added it to their birthday/ Christmas/just-cuz-you-love-me-so-much list.

Dan Logan

The iPhone X costs a grand. One. Thousand.

Dollars. Don't even consider the iPhone 8 Plus ($800) a suitable alternative – it'll probably just earn you a wounding backhand compliment. And the iPhone 8 ($700)?

Can you hear the unspoken subtext: "iPhone 8? I spit on the iPhone 8!"

The 8 or the 8 Plus could have set down the Apollo 11 moon lander with computing power to spare, but to the pre-billpaying eye they're just so much digital doodoo. The X or nothing.

So if your budget is substantially more modest than an iPhone X, what else might tickle the kid's fancy without your having to give up your health insurance to pay for it?

A loha, A lexa Not quite approved for her first smartphone yet, my eleven-year-old niece is making do with a second generation Amazon Echo Dot ($50). Any number of my friends also have a Dot in the house.

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The Dot is a voice-activated hockey puck-sized device that connects to WiFi. Download Amazon's free Alexa software to your phone or computer and the Dot begins to do your bidding, answering questions, playing music or audiobooks per your request, or controlling the lights, thermostat, or your alarm clock.

While the Dot won't be mistaken for an artificially intelligent buddy, it's heading in that direction. It will learn your voice patterns for greater responsiveness, and some in-jokes are programmed into its repertoire, if you say the right thing.

Cam-do!

Overheard at a Papa Gino's: "Daddy, I want to get it at Toys 'R Us. Not online."

Oh, to have heard the what and the why in that discussion. They must've been on their way to Toys 'R Us after scarfing down the all-you-can-eat pizza special.

Otherwise, why not online?

But if your young grandchild

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hasn't yet cajoled his or her parents into a smartphone, she might be a budding videographer who will put a simple camcorder to good use.

Like a cut-rate GoPro, the VTech Kidizoom Action Cam ($50) is tough enough to take some abuse, comes with a waterproof case so that the camera can be submerged to six feet below the surface, and has attachments that enable the user to fix it to a bike or skateboard, for example. Maximum resolution isn't too refined at 640 x 480 pixels, but it'll do as a starter kit, and a microSD card up to 32GB can be used to increase recording time.

T une in Old and young appreciate headphones or earbuds that can effectively deliver the music while eliminating noise. The most efficient noise-canceling headphones are pricey, but there are lower-priced models that get the user most of the way there.

Reviewers point to the Phiaton BT 100 NC neckband style earbuds with a microphone ($80) for phone conversations as being darn good for the price. The noisecancellation isn't as quite effective as, say, a pair of $300 Bose headphones, but Phiatons claim to offset 95% of the ambient noise. And the sound is good, too.

button will blink at each scheduled time, encouraging your pet to hit the button and check in. Petchatz offers two-way communication and a treat-release feature.

The unit starts at $300; you can price a customized system (including a high def setup, games, and aromatherapy) at the web site.

Order at amazon.com or gerardfdoherty.com

Pliable performance

The best part of waking up A true gadget suggests something that goes beyond basic utility into the realm where one simply can't resist playing with the thing.

AcuRite's reasonably priced 13020 Intelli-Time Projection Alarm Clock ($32) falls in that category. This AcuRite is an alarm clock that will also show the temperature indoors and outdoors and the phases of the moon, and it will project all that valuable information on the wall or ceiling. There's a USB port for charging other devices, and it has a battery backup.

From the comments on Amazon, fiddling with the positioning of the projected image can be challenging, but that's part of the fun, right?

Not a gadget, but Tom Brady's book, The TB12 Method: How to Achieve a Lifetime of Sustained Peak Performance, has piqued the interest of a lot of young athletes as a sort of high-tech training bible. My nephew in middle school is both a serious jock and a serious student, and he negotiated with his grandmother, my sister, for an early birthday present.

It is the remarkable story of a man who grew up in modest circumstances, to acquire a degree from Harvard, to overcome a devastating illness, to rise to be friends with the most famous brothers in American history, to work with three U.S. Presidents and to establish a successful law practice.

It is the American story personified.

Filming Fido Petchatz (petchatz.com) is a pet camera – "Digital Daycare for your home alone pet." Away from home and your grandchild can't bear to be away from Rover another minute? Petchatz lets you interact with, and even feed, your pet via the Internet.

Once your pet gets used to seeing you on the small screen there's even a PawCall button that lets your pet contact you via the Internet. You can schedule call times in the PetChatz web app and the PawCall

He started on page one and is methodically working his way through Brady's nutrition advice.

His grandmother flipped through the rest of the book and thought he should start with the mental aspects of performance, but he does all his homework immediately after school, and he can be found dribbling pairs of basketballs through sets of cones after dark. He seems to have a pretty good handle on that part of Brady's recommendations.

TB12 is available for $18 for the hardcover on Amazon, or $15 for the Kindle electronic version. Other electronic versions are sure to follow soon, if they're not out already – versions that grandkids everywhere will be able to read on their iPhone X-es.

Dan L ogan is a freelance writer and photographer from Fairhaven. Email him at dlogan@thegrid.net.

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15

GOOD TIMES

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Convenient connections Thank you to the board and staff of Our lady of the A ngels Credit Union and Fall River Municipal Credit Union, Representatives A lan Silvia, Carole Fiola, Paul Schmid, Senator Michael Rodrigues, Acting Fall River Police Chief A lbert Dupere, aides to area legislators, and members of the Bristol County Chamber of Commerce for celebrating the South End Branch opening

In the business world, you are either constantly adjusting to change or you are closing your doors. It’s really as simple as that.

For Fall River Municipal Credit Union and its long-time PresiPateakos dent & CEO Matthew Schondek, change is always welcomed.

Since opening in 1930, the Fall Riverbased credit union has moved beyond its Spindle City roots to include branches in the towns of Assonet and Swansea, bringing the total number of branches to five. Recently, FRMCU saw some more change by acquiring Our Lady of the Angels Credit Union and its more than $3 million in assets, helping to expand their already strong Fall River footprint to other parts of the city.

FRMCU also signed up recently to be part of the Allpoint ATM network, with 55,000 ATMs worldwide and over 43,000 in the United States alone. “The Allpoint Network allows FRMCU members surcharge-free access to their money at convenient ATM locations across the country and world. Members can basi-

Jay

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cally go anywhere in the country to take out money without costly fees. Many at locations that they are already frequenting, like Dunkin Donuts, CVS, or Rite-Aid Pharmacies,” said Schondek.

In another recent initiative, FRMCU has joined the CO-OP Network, a shared network of Credit Unions across the country that helps assist members when they are traveling. Members can go to credit unions anywhere in the country to transact business as if they are within the FRMCU lobby. This new service hit a

to the credit union’s participation in the CO-OP Network, she was able to access needed funds, even though she was working and living in Boston.

“She was able to do the transaction just like she would if she was here,” said Schondek. “It makes it so much easier when traveling, even in places like Florida and California. It’s as easy as going into a local credit union branch. It helps provide expanded access for our members by being able to visit different credit unions in the network.”

FRMCU strives for convenience for its members, even when they’re at home or the office. With Member Link Plus and their mobile banking app, members can

FRMCU has joined the CO-OP Network - members can go to credit unions anywhere in the country to transact business as if they are within the FRMCU lobby. personal note for Mr. Schondek recently, when his daughter’s debit card was compromised and she had no way to get money from her FRMCU account. Thanks

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do their banking, including viewing account activity and balances and making transfers and paying bills, through a secure internet connection on their com-

puter or smartphone.

Schondek said that more changes are coming by the end of the year as Fall River Municipal Credit Union will partner with Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Android Pay to provide another payment option for its members’ bills.

“We’re always looking for ways to provide access to better services and products to our members in this ever-changing industry,” said Schondek.

Growing Great Branches from Solid Roots!

LET'S CELEBRATE !

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Hey, neighbor Despite more than $210 million in assets, Schondek CEO and President M atthew Schondek said FRMCU still maintains and FRMCU Chairman of the Board, Carl G arcia its small-town feel, with local employees serving its local who are currently enrolled in or who members. With the continued push into have been accepted to an undergraduate online services, Schondek said the credit program of study at an accredited college union has worked hard to update its or university. The staff also participates processes to make things far easier and in monthly “dress-down days” to raise simpler to apply for loans online while funds for various charities. still having the face-to-face availability of Started nearly nine decades ago as a fiknowledgeable staff when people need it, nancial institution aimed at helping fireespecially during the stresses of securing fighters when one of their own couldn’t a mortgage. secure a loan, Fall River Municipal Credit “A lot of people Union remains a FRMCU will partner with don’t underhometown credit stand the many union working Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, complexities hard to provide its behind buying and Android Pay to provide members with the a home and best products and another payment option for services possible, that face-toface experience always willing to its members’ bills. is essential,” change things up said Schondek. or to try something “We’ve sponsored a number of first-time new if they feel it would benefit members homebuyer seminars in conjunction with in any way. the Community Development Agencies “We never lose focus that this credit in Fall River and New Bedford and we’ve union is all about people,” said Schondek. had over sixty people attend two events “With so many large financial instituin Fall River this year. Buying a home is tions getting consolidated or in trouble, such a major purchase for people and we we are here to put members first and help want to make sure all their questions are them through their financial needs at any answered. Help is here for them when time. We are looking to provide the best, they need it.” most modern products and services delivFRMCU is a true community credit ered with the personalized touch FRMCU union where employees are encourmembers have come to expect from their aged to give back to the community in credit union. We are not looking to make multiple ways and that focus starts at the a sale – we are looking for a relationship.” top with Schondek, who donates his time on a number of local and state boards J ay Pateakos has been a freelance writer including the Bristol County Chamber for more than 10 years including daily and of Commerce. Every year, Fall River weekly newspapers and monthly magazines.

Municipal Credit Union awards a number A native of New Bedford, he currently lives in of scholarships to qualifying members Marion and has three children.

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17

GOOD TIMES

Fostering success B y J oyce Rowley

"I

t's making a big difference in the community," said Jacqueline Medeiros, program director of the Foster Grandparents Program at Coastline Elderly Services. Now in its 35th year, the program has 60 volunteer grandparents and over 240 students engaged on the South Coast. "It's keeping older adults active and giving them a purpose. It bridges the generation gap."

The program began in 1965 as part of the Great Society's War on Poverty. It was visionary in its foresight to match elders with experience, skill, and time to children in need of extra time and patience in what were often overcrowded classrooms.

Foster Grandparents still helps out in the classroom, tutoring and working in small groups and one-on-one with children. The program expanded to special needs youth, as well.

"Teachers don't always have time to offer extra help with students. Foster Grandparents step in and provide that

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extra help. That's what their role is: to help children succeed in meeting their

'Retirement isn't all it's cracked up to be. You have to have some reason to get up in the morning.'

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goals," Medeiros said.

Coastline Elderly Services, which just celebrated its 40th anniversary on October 20, began sponsoring the program in 1982. Currently it operates on $320,000 annually, paid for by the Washington, DC-based Corporation for National and Community Service and the Massachusetts Office of Elder Services.

The Corporation is the federal agency that administers and funds the Foster Grandparents program, along with Senior Corps, Americorps, and several other national service programs. Nationally, 25,190 seniors volunteer in the Foster Grandparents program serving some 189,100 children.

The program is unique in that it serves both the children who benefit from getting extra help learning as well as the older adults who participate. Volunteers are 55 years old and older, and meet income eligibility requirements. They receive a stipend, which is not taxed as income, meals at the site, and transportation reimbursement. Coastline

Elderly Services provides other services as needed, also.

Foster grandparents help with literacy and academics, Medeiros said. It's their role to listen to the children and to be a friend.

The children range in age from daycare and preschool to young adults with special needs. The Foster Grandparents work at public schools in Fairhaven,

"Children just thrive if you give them a little attention. It is amazing what they can accomplish," Mabray said.

This year, she is working in a class of 23 students.

"You've got to want to do it. It's not something you can take lightly," said Mabray. After working five hours a day, four days a week, it's extremely rewarding.

'When I come home, I feel I've accomplished something and that the children have accomplished something' Dartmouth, Plymouth, New Bedford, and Wareham, and at the Kennedy Donovan School and the Schwartz Center.

Class is in "I heard about it through the Council on Aging in Dartmouth," said Sally Mabray, a Foster Grandparent in that town.

Mabray, a retired registered nurse, previously taught nursing in Florida.

"Retirement isn't all it's cracked up to be.

You have to have some reason to get up in the morning," Mabray said. "Knowing all those little children are waiting gives me something to look forward to."

Former program director Christine Voss matched Mabray with a kindergarten teacher at Quinn Elementary in Dartmouth who was interested in having a foster grandparent in her classroom.

That was two years ago. The two hit it off, and Mabray has been working there ever since.

"I get along with the teacher. She calls me her ‘left hand,’” Mabray said. "The children come in at all levels. Some can't write their names, some can't cut paper," Mabray said. "I spend a lot of time tying shoes."

But there is a serious side, too, although tying a shoe is an important skill. Foster grandparents work with the whole class, but they also work with individuals who need extra support.

Last year, Mabray said that she worked with a boy from China and a girl from the Philippines. Neither could read or write in English. By the end of the year, they left kindergarten reading and writing.

"When I come home, I feel I've accomplished something and that the children have accomplished something," Mabray said.

For seniors considering the rewards of foster grandparenting, but may be put off if they don't have a background in teaching, Medeiros said that there's training and support before and during the school year.

"We have monthly in-service training for the grandparents on how they can help the children," Medeiros said.

For example, in November the in-service training will feature guest speaker Adelaida Pratt, the education and outreach coordinator for the Women's Center.

Pratt's presentation on "Domestic Violence and How it Affects Children" will be followed by New Bedford Police Chief Joseph Cordeiro addressing the group.

"We also have training the Grandparents can take advantage of if they need it," Medeiros said.

Depending on the funding, there may be openings mid-year. But typically, the slots fill up in the Fall when school starts.

Also, there may be volunteers who resign, so Medeiros said that seniors can still apply now.

To explore if foster grandparenting is for you, contact Jacqueline Medeiros at Coastline Elderly Services at 508-7429198.

J oyce Rowley is a freelance writer living in historic New Bedford on the South Coast.

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PRIME LIVING

Pass the plate:

hunger in America

Eliz abeth Morse Read

As we all gather to enjoy harvest festivals and Thanksgiving dinner, our tables laden with nutritious, home-cooked foods, remember that many of our fellow Americans are chronically undernourished and don’t know where their next meal is coming from.

America is often called “The Breadbasket of the World,” the greatest food-producing nation, yet 30-40% of our food goes to waste or ends up in the garbage (worth $162 billion). Every day, millions of people in the United States struggle with hunger and food insecurity, including 13 million children and almost 5.5 million senior citizens.

Food insecurity

in the land of plenty Almost 50 million Americans either lack the money or the access to enough nutritious food on a regular basis.

Many food-insecure families live near or below the federal poverty line, and are most often Hispanic, African-American, and/or headed by single parents. Most live

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in urban areas, but food insecurity is also a huge problem in rural America.

Many parents struggling to feed their families are juggling multiple minimumwage part-time jobs, and coping despite the lack of support services like affordable child care, regular health care, and access

detergent, pet food, or diapers), just to put food on the table.

Almost 60% of poor families get by, in part, by relying on the three largest federal food and nutrition assistance programs: SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, aka “food stamps” – fns.usda.gov/snap), national school lunch programs (fns.usda.gov/nslp), and WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women with Infants and Children – fns.usda.gov/wic). They rely heavily, too, on non-profit programs like local food pantries and the Salvation Army to ensure that they and their children get enough to eat.

Fixed-income seniors have increasingly come to rely on local food pantries as a regular source for their grocery supplies to reliable transportation. Oftentimes, they are forced to make cruel choices between paying the rent on time, skipping their medications, or cutting back on non-food items (like toothpaste, laundry

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But families like these – and fixedincome seniors – have increasingly come to rely on local food pantries as a regular source for their grocery supplies, not just as a temporary fix during financial emer-

gencies. That’s where private citizens and community organizations have to pitch in to fill the nutrition gap.

Stunted lives: hungry

children in america In 2015, almost 20% of American children of all races were living in poverty. Of those, almost one in six (that’s 13 million kids, folks), were living in food-insecure households. Children who don’t get enough nutritious food, especially in utero and during the first three years of life, face a lifetime of profound physical, mental and developmental delays that will severely impact their academic achievement, social skills and economic prospects. The long-term socio-economic implications of that disparity are catastrophic for the entire nation, not just for those hungry children.

Seniors: between a rock

and a hard place Right now, more than 5 million people over 60 years old suffer from food insecurity, and those numbers will increase by 50% as the Baby Boomer generation ages out in 2025. Many seniors go hungry due to unique circumstances – lack of transportation and walkingdistance access to healthful foods, as well as an increasing demand on their fixed

Matthew 25: 35-36 “…for I was hungry and you gave me food;

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for themselves, or are too functionallylimited to overcome either obstacle.

Additionally, many do not take advantage of supplemental services like SNAP (only 42% of eligible seniors are enrolled) or of home-delivered meal programs like Meals on Wheels, whether out of embarrassment or lack of outreach information.

The number of hungry seniors has grown almost 70% since 2001, in part because the 2008-2009 recession wiped out retirement savings for many. People

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It's a vicious cycle — a poor diet triggers many health issues and not taking the proper medicines only makes them worse monthly budget caused by age-related health problems, which increase with every passing year. As a result, many seniors are forced to choose between buying nutritious foods and taking the medications they need to stay healthy.

It’s a vicious cycle – a poor diet triggers or exacerbates many health issues (like diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease), and not taking the proper medicines that would help control these health problems only makes them worse. According to the AARP, food-insecure seniors are at least 50% more likely to suffer a heart attack and 60% more likely to suffer from depression.

Ironically, many food-insecure seniors have enough income to pay for healthful foods, but they either lack access to transportation, a place to prepare meals

between 50 and 65 years old are in a particularly vulnerable position – they’re too young for Medicare, Social Security, or pensions, they’re liable to be showing signs of age-related health problems, their employability is waning, and they’re still often the primary breadwinners of multigenerational families.

Minority report: A frican-A mericans and Hispanics Non-white families, whether AfricanAmerican or Hispanic, suffer disproportionately from poverty, unemployment/ underemployment, diet-related health problems, and food insecurity. In fact, these families are twice as likely to be food insecure (one in five) as a white family (one in ten). One in four African-

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Continued from previous page American and Hispanic children live in the nearest fast-food restaurant. But all of 2,500 new supermarkets opened by the food-insecure households, as compared this starchy empty-calorie food is dangertop 75 US grocery chains between 2011to one in seven white children. As a ously unhealthy, filled with processed 1015, only 250 were opened in “food result, African-Americans and Hispanics food-products, salt, sugar, fats, refined deserts,” where the nutritional need is are at greater risk of developing obesity, carbohydrates – and woefully lacking in greatest.

Type 2 diabetes, and other diet-related essential vitamins, minerals, and protein.

Convenience stores, bodegas, fast-food health issues, all of which are further A steady diet of McDonald’s, Doritos, restaurants, and dollar stores abound in worsened by food insecurity. pizza, KFC, and Coke leads to morbid these neighborhoods, though (aka “food The Hispanic population in the US has obesity, Type 2 diabetes, high blood presswamps”) – and the obesity rates in these nearly doubled in the past decade, and sure, heart disease, and a menu of other low-income food deserts are directly rewill continue to grow exponentially. Irondiet-related chronic diseases. lated to the food-shopping options these ically, food-insecure Hispanic households A “food desert,” as defined by the US people face every day. Even when people with children are more likely to have at Department of Agriculture, is a loware enrolled in SNAP and WIC, they have least one employed family member than income area where there is virtually no choice but to buy the cheapest availdo non-Hispanic food-insecure famino access to a grocery store or farmer's able food to feed themselves and their lies, yet they are the families – even if it’s not least likely to rely on nutritious, and even if it’s federal food assistance damaging their health. ow to hare he ounty programs like SNAP, Just deserts Feeding America (feedingamerica.org), formerly known as school lunch programs, Americans are a Second Harvest, is the largest network of food banks in America. or WIC. generous, compasHunger in sionate people – just look at Ample Harvest (ampleharvest.org) helps connect farmers and the heartthe response to our fellow home gardeners with local food banks and food pantries. lands citizens stricken by HurriFoodPantries (foodpantries.org) and PantryNet (pantrynet.org) Ironically, sparselycanes Harvey and Irma! But are websites listing thousands of food pantries and food banks populated rural too often we aren’t aware of throughout the United States. communities, where the fact that someone in our much of America’s own town or neighborhood 2-1-1 is a United Way service that connects people with local food is grown, suffer – an elderly person, a young service organizations and assistance programs, including food from much higher rates family struggling with pantries. Operators will direct callers to the nearest organization. of poverty and food unemployment, a recent insecurity than do nonimmigrant, a single parent, Also visit: rifoodbank.org, nokidhungry.org, endhunger.com, rural communities. a veteran down on his luck feedingchildreneverywhere.com, or findafoodpantry.org Three-quarters of all – is going hungry, unable to food-insecure counties get enough healthy food to in the US are in rural eat every day. areas, not in the “inner Maybe they can’t find a cities.” Remote farmride to the grocery store. ing/ranching regions Maybe they’re overwhelmed suffer more seasonal by the paperwork required unemployment and offor getting assistance. fer few high-paying job Maybe they just don’t know opportunities. In adhow to cook a decent meal. dition, rural areas lack Or maybe they just don’t easy access to higher have enough money to buy education, public transnutritious food. market that sells fresh, healthful foods. In portation, grocery stores/food pantries, Think about all that as you give thanks a 2009 USDA report, 24 million Ameriand social support services like child care for your blessings over Thanksgiving dincans, both urban and rural, lived at least and health care. ner. There but for the grace of God go us a mile away from a supermarket – yet had all – so pass the plate and help feed your Food deserts: overfed limited access to either private or public neighbors. but undernourished transportation.

When people can’t find or afford But despite private/public initiatives, like Elizabeth Morse Read is an fresh, healthful foods to feed themselves Michelle Obama’s anti-obesity “Partneraward-winning writer, editor and artist who or their families, they’ll eat whatever ship for a Healthier America” program, grew up on the South Coast. After 20 years of stops the hunger pains, whether it’s cheap major grocery chains still avoid opening working in New York City and traveling the junk food from the convenience store on a new store in high-poverty areas, where world, she came back home with her children the corner, or the Dollar Meal special at it’s harder to turn a profit. Of the almost and lives in Fairhaven.

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This is the firm’s fourth consecutive year having an attorney named to this prestigious list.

Additionally, the firm’s two associate attorneys, Brandon Walecka and Erin Shea, were named to the 2017 Massachusetts Super Lawyer Rising Star list. This is an honor that is limited to no more than 2.5% of the attorneys in each state and is recognition of demonstrated excellence in the practice of law.

Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters business, is a research-driven, peerinfluenced rating service of outstanding lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Attorneys are selected from more than 70 practice areas and all firm sizes, ensuring a credible and relevant annual list.

“We are thrilled to have our entire team recognized by Super Lawyers”, says owner and partner of Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., Dan Surprenant. “Since each candidate is evaluated on twelve indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement, we are truly honored to have been selected.”

Surprenant & Beneski, P.C. focuses their practice in the area of estate planning, protecting assets for clients and their families from unnecessary estate tax, cost of long-term care, from divorce and/or creditors, and for special needs beneficiaries.

M ichelle D. B eneski is an Attorney at Surprenant & Beneski, P.C. For specific questions email mdb@nbelderlaw.com or call 508-9945200.

Michelle D. Beneski, Esq.

Daniel M. Surprenant, Esq.

With nursing homes costing an average of $12,000 a month you must plan ahead. As Elder Law Attorneys, we can show you how to protect your assets from nursing homes, probate fees, and estate taxes. Even with a relative in a nursing home now, assets can still be protected. Call us today to set up a consultation.

The family team of Attorney Michelle D. Beneski and Attorney Daniel M. Surprenant are resolute in their goal of providing the highest quality of services to their clients.

You can also visit us at www.MyFamilyEstatePlanning.com and sign up for our next free seminar near you.

SPECIALIZED LEGAL SERVICES PROVIDED: Medicaid Planning and Application Assistance Estate Planning and Administration • Tax Planning Powers of Attorney • Asset Protection Planning Advanced Health Care Directives Wills • Living Trust • Pet Trusts Special Needs Trusts for Disabled Individuals & Seniors

35 Arnold Street New Bedford, MA 02740 508-994-5200

336 South Street Hyannis, MA 02601 508-427-1102

45 Bristol Drive Easton, MA 02375 508-427-5400

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Seniors Real Estate Specialist/Partner Fall River's Best Taxi & Transportation Service Airport Transportation Non-Emergency Medical Transportation

508-673-5843

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PRIME LIVING

A funny thing happened on the way to my colonoscopy That title’s my attempt to make light of a serious situation: the situation being having the equivalent of a garden hose with a lighted Paul camera on the end K andarian rammed up your butt so you can live longer. But that’s pretty much what a colonoscopy is, which in all seriousness is the best tool we have for early detection and treatment for colorectal cancer – deaths from which are on the decline, thanks to the procedure.

Despite what it sounds like, it’s not the pain in the butt it would seem to be. Now the run-up to the colonoscopy, that’s a different and disgusting beast. It starts the day before – the worst part being drinking magnesium citrate, which near as I can figure was invented in the Middle Ages as a form of extreme torture, not to mention humiliation in those days before diapers and the proliferation of fast-food restaurants with easy access to toilets.

The bottom line (pun intended) is you need a squeaky clean colon for the doc doing the job to get a clear picture of your tubing. If they see any polyps – which aren’t uncommon but can lead to cancer if left alone – they can snip them right out right there.

And yeah, it sucks drinking this stuff and being confined to nothing but clear liquids or gelatin and getting the runs that make your intestines feel like high tide rushing out of the Bay of Fundy. But again, it’s worth it in the fight against cancer. That’s what I kept telling myself as my bowels growled louder than an allyou-can-eat scene in “The Walking Dead.”

To me, that’s not the absolute worst part.

I have celiac disease (all the more reason

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to get regular colonoscopies), and if I go off the gluten-free diet I must stick to, can get magnesium citrate results without drinking the stuff. So that part I’m more or less used to.

What I’m not used to is starving. I have a massive appetite. I love, love, love to eat, and should weigh 300 pounds, but am blessed with an active lifestyle and fast metabolism, so I burn it off. And having my colonoscopy done on Tuesday

They’ve done this a million times but know we patients have not, so they treat us like it’s brand new to them every time, taking every concern of their patients in stride and with great compassion. morning meant not eating after Sunday night. This is serious fasting, my intake confined only to gelatin, Gatorade, broth, etc. By the time Monday afternoon rolled around, I was ready to eat my own foot, or anyone else’s if it was near my face.

But the upside to fasting is not just immediate weight loss, but more importantly, an appreciation for a life without hunger. Millions around the world experience this level of hunger every day of their lives. Doing it for one? I am humbled and will now shut up about being hungry.

I had my colonoscopy done at Tobey

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Hospital in Wareham, by gastroenterologist Dr. Kevin Murphy. I can’t say enough about Murphy and the staff at Tobey.

They’ve done this a million times but know we patients have not, so they treat us like it’s brand new to them every time, taking every concern of their patients in stride and with great compassion.

I felt bad for one nurse who had to stick me for the IV. Usually, I have very cooperative veins, but this time, maybe because I was dehydrated from fasting, it wasn’t the case. She could see the veins but they kept “rolling over” on her, she said. Despite my own pain of constant needle sticks, I felt bad for her not being able to do a part of her job she’s done countless time. Hey, flat veins happen.

But throughout, her calmness helped me maintain mine.

The gas-passer, vernacular for the anesthesiologist, was a great doc, too.

Funny, conversant, answering any and all questions, including what they use now: Propofol (which is what killed Michael Jackson, so kids, do NOT try this at home), which is way better than what they used 13 years ago when I had my last colonoscopy. That stuff was like truth serum, I came out of it babbling about stuff I could not recall later. My daughter was with me then and still delights in recounting the horribly embarrassing things I said. Ah, kids, love ‘em.

One thing absolutely essential in advocating for your own health care: don’t be afraid to ask intelligent questions.

They love questions. Pros like this enjoy talking about their craft. My intelligent question was, “after all that magnesium citrate, what if I… you know, while you have that tube up my butt?” and they laughed and said there’s a suction on it that… you know. That’s good enough for

me. Now I want one for my car. No, I’m serious.

They turned on the Propofol tap and next thing I knew I was waking up in recovery, less one polyp they found and which means instead of every ten years for colonoscopies, I have to go back in five. And I was starving, so I looked for my bag I’d left with them, took out the peach and Kind bar I’d stashed in there and wolfed them down. The nurse saw me and laughed, “Where did you get that?” and I told her I know the drill here, and that a cup of juice and a graham cracker just wouldn’t cut it.

We are human beings who suffer pain together and together we must band to help one another get through it.

But even in a day that wasn’t fun (necessary, but not fun), there are always opportunities for human connection. Mine came with a nurse I was talking with after my procedure. We somehow got on the topic of addiction, and the helplessness that parents feel when one of their kids has that disease. I’d been down my own hellish road with my son; she was going down her own as well.

I knew there was nothing I could do to help her ease that pain. All I could do was listen and understand and offer her my own experience. It was a tender moment that showed that none of us, not nurses, not doctors, not one of us, is immune to the effects of this disease. We are human beings who suffer pain together and together we must band to help one another get through it.

My way of helping was just offering a few minutes of understanding and compassion. Sometimes that’s all you can do and sometimes that’s all that it takes to ease the pain even if just for a little while.

And that made that moment the very best part of a very unusual day.

Paul K andarian is a lifelong area resident and has been a professional writer since 1982, as columnist, contributor in national magazines, websites and other publications.

Celebrating our 25th Anniversary as a Long Term Acute Care Hospital (LTACH) -the only one in our community The road to recovery due to a serious medical condition can be a lengthy process that is seldom easy. But there is help along the way. Vibra Hospital of Southeastern Massachusetts is there to provide the specialized care you need right when you need it.

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Beginning with a seamless transfer from the hospital, up until the time a patient is able to transition home, the Vibra team of dedicated physicians, nurses and specialized therapists are there every step of the way. Providing the kind of personalized care that makes a real difference. Helping patients with everything from relearning to walk, to breathing without a ventilator, while helping families to understand the process and the outcomes.

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E xtra! E xtra!

In brief…

Eliz abeth Morse Read

The holiday season is officially upon us! Start off with all the harvest festivals, Oktoberfests, and Halloween, then segue into Thanksgiving and the start of Christmas merriment! Don’t forget those less fortunate than you this season, remember our veterans on November 11 – and don’t forget to turn your clocks back an hour on November 5!

Food, feasts, and festivals!

Get ready for Newport Restaurant Week November 3-12! For details, go to discovernewportrestaurantweek.com or call 401-845-9151.

Mark your calendars for the 27th Annual Seafood Festival under the tents on Bowen’s Wharf in Newport on October 14-15! Live music, family fun. For details, go to bowenswharf.com.

There’s always something going on at Tiverton Four Corners! Plan ahead for the Art & Artisans Winter Festival December 10!

For info, go to tivertonfourcorners.com or fourcornerarts.org.

Fill your baskets with local produce and holiday greenery! To find a farm, vineyard or farmers market near you, visit semaponline.org, pickyourown.org,

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farmfreshri.org, or localharvest.org. To find more food and wine events along the South Coast, go to coastalwinetrail.com/ events, or ediblesouthshore.com.

Day-tripping

Plan a day-trip to Plimouth Plantation this Thanksgiving season! Go to plimouth.org or call 508-746-1622.

Spend a day in the cobble-stoned historic district of New Bedford! Visit the world-class Whaling Museum and Seamen’s Bethel (508-997-0046 or go to whalingmuseum.org), then explore the surrounding New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. For more info, go to nps.gov/nebe.

Go on a guided tour of Narragansett Bay past lighthouses, mansions, and Newport Harbor through October 21! Free dock-

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side parking. For more info, visit rhodeislandbaycruises.com or call 401-295-4040.

If you’re 50 or older, check out the trips sponsored by the New Bedford Senior Travel Program. There’s the Fall Foliage Tour October 18, Pickety Place October 25, Halloween in Salem October 31, Christmas Festival Seaport November 3, Lake Pearl Corvettes Doo Wop November 8, Lake Pearl Michael Buble Christmas December 8, Connecticut Christmas Carol December 13 – and numerous casino trips! For details, call 508-991-6171.

Take a leisurely boat ride through the waterways of Providence! For details, go to providenceriverboat.com or call 401580-2628. Or go on a romantic Venetian gondola ride through the heart of Provi-

dence! For reservations, call 401-4218877 or visit gondolari.com.

visit whalingmuseum.org or call 508-9970046.

Keeping the little ones Busy

Boo! Halloween events

The Fall River Public Library hosts free afternoon movies (and popcorn!) every Wednesday at 1 p.m., in addition to showings on Monday nights. For more information, visit the library’s Facebook page or visit fallriverlibrary.org.

Head to the Pumpkin Palooza at Frerichs Farm in Warren on weekends through October 29! For more info, call 401-245-8245 or visit frerichsfarm.com.

Check out the special exhibit “South Africa” on November 1-11 at the Capron Park Zoo in Attleboro! Call 774-203-1840 or go to capronparkzoo.com.

Check out what’s going on at the Children’s Museum of Greater Fall River.

Reduced admission on the first Friday each month. For info, go to cmgfr.org or call 508-672-0033.

Take the kids to see the “Science on a Sphere” and the new animal exhibits at the Buttonwood Park Zoo in New Bedford! For info, call 508-991-6178 or visit bpzoo.org.

Explore the Children’s Museum in Providence! Go to childrenmuseum.org or call 401-273-5437.

One-of-a-kind

events and exhibits Gamers, team-builders, and mysterysolvers should head for the new “Mass Escape” in downtown New Bedford!

Groups of 4-8 people can work together to prevent a nuclear crisis or solve a murder mystery. For more info, go to MassEscapeRoom.com.

Paddleboat across Polo Lake in an illuminated “swan boat” at Roger Williams Park, evenings through November 5! For more info, visit rwpzoo.org.

Check out the “Little Black Dress” exhibit at the Rotch-Jones-Duff House in New Bedford through October 31. For more info, call 508-997-1401 or go to rjdmuseum.org.

Hockey fans, rejoice! Check out the schedule at the Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence! For more info, call 401-3316700 or visit dunkindonutscenter.com.

Don’t miss the unique exhibit, “Thou Shalt Knot,” based on Clifford W. Ashley’s classic The Ashley Book of Knots, and his personal collection, at the Whaling Museum in New Bedford. For more info,

Take the kids to the Harvest Festival at The Silverbrook Farm in Acushnet on October 21! Hay rides, corn maze, and more! For info and tickets, call 774-2021027 or go to thesilverbrookfarm.com.

We buy your unwanted firearms and accessories.

Many households have unwanted firearms that may have belonged to yourself or a family member - and you’d like them legally removed from your home - and earn some cash as well. We come to YOU!

Get lost in the Corn Maze at Escobar Farm in Portsmouth! For details, call 401-683-1444 or visit escobarfarm.com.

Do you dare visit the Lakeville Haunted House? Head for the former Ted Williams Camp on October 15, 21-22, 28-29 for the scare of your life! For info and tickets, go to lakevillehauntedhouse.com.

For an in-home consultation, please call Bill Bachant (774) 263-3134 or email bgslakeville@gmail.com

Check out the “Creepy Critters Night Hike” on October 27 at the Lloyd Center for the Environment in Dartmouth!

For details, call 508-990-0505 or visit lloydcenter.org.

It’s all happening at the Z in New Bedford! Don’t miss the Halloween Movie Spook-a-Thon October 29 and the “Rocky Horror Picture Show” October 31! For info, go to zeiterion.org or call 508-9942900.

www.GunOrphanage.com

Visit the “Fortress of Nightmares” at Fort Adams in Newport October 20-12, 2728! For info, visit fortressofnightmares.org.

Find a spooky place or event near you at mahauntedhouse.com!

Check out the famous Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular through November 5 at the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence!

For info and tickets, visit rwpzoo.org.

303 State Road n Westport, MA

Take the kids to the Haunted Academy in Fairhaven October 27-29, and the Halloween Parade October 29! For more info, go to fairhaventours.com or call 508-979-4085.

Scare yourselves silly at Fall River’s Factory of Terror on various dates through October 31! For info and tickets, go to factoryofterror.com or call 774-4150133.

Go ghost-hunting at night through the historic East Side of Providence!

Every night through October, weekends

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508-678-7801

www.AlbaneseMonuments.com

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T’is the season

Explore Thomas the Tank Engine Land and Dino Land at Edaville Railroad in Carver! For more info, visit edaville.com or call 508-866-8190.

The Annual Festival of Lights at the LaSalette Shrine in Attleboro begins on November 23 – more than 300,000 lights illuminating 10 acres! For details, go to lasalette-shrine.org or call 508-2225410.

Take the kids to the Coggeshall Farm Museum in Bristol for 18th-century “Home and Hearth” workshops! For the little ones, there’s Farmhouse Storytime every Wednesday. For details, visit coggeshallfarm.org or call 401-253-9062.

The holidays will start to “sparkle” starting November 24 – celebrate “A Toast to the Twenties” at Blithewold Mansion and Gardens in Bristol! For info, call 401-253-2707 or go to blithewold.org.

Stroll through the holiday splendor of “Christmas at the Newport Mansions” from November 18 to January 1. For details, call 401-847-1999 or go to newportmansions.org.

Sign up for a walking history tour or discover colonial holiday traditions in Newport on an evening Holiday Lantern Tour December 2-30. For more info, call 401-841-8770 or visit newporthistory.org.

Get ready for the Christmas Festival of Lights starting November 17 at Edaville Railroad in Carver! Take the kids on train rides illuminated by 17 million lights throughout the park! For more info, visit edaville.com or call 508-866-8190.

through December 23. For tickets and more info, call 401-484-8687 or visit providenceghosttour.com.

Head for Fear Town at the Seekonk Speedway on various dates through October 30 for the fright of your life! For info and tickets, call 508-296-0661 or go to mahauntedhouses.com.

Check out the hauntings at Ghoulie Manor in Taunton! For info, go to ghouliemanor.com.

Get ready for the Octoberfest Train Ride October 29, the Scarecrow Contest and Trick-or-Treat events throughout Wareham in October! For details, go to warehamvillage.org.

Remember our veterans!

Be amazed by WaterFire in downtown Providence! Don’t miss the November 4 “Salute to Veterans”! For complete details, go to waterfire.org.

Journey through time and discover a sailor’s life at Battleship Cove, America’s Fleet Museum (battleshipcove.org or

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Time travel

Explore the exhibits at the Middleboro Historical Museum, Wednesdays, and Saturdays through October 28. For more info, call 508-947-1969 or visit middleboroughhistoricalmuseum.org. blithewold M ansion and G ardens

Start your Christmas season at Bowen’s Wharf in Newport! There’s the Block Party and Holiday Kick-Off November 24, the Christmas Tree Lighting December 2, and the Newport Annual Stroll December 1-3! For details, go to bowenswharf.com.

Mark your calendar for the annual Christmas Parade in Wareham on December 2! For more info, go to warehamvillage.org.

508-678-1100) and the Maritime Museum at Battleship Cove (508-674-3533 or battleshipcove.org/maritime-museum).

All new tours, interactives and exhibits – visit two museums for the price of one!

Family-friendly fun

Enjoy FREE family fun and entertainment on AHA! Nights. The November 9 theme is “Made in NB.” The December 14 theme is “City Sidewalks.” For details, go to ahanewbedford.org or call 508-9968253.

Plan a day at the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence! Visit the Museum of Natural History & Planetarium, the Botanical Gardens, then check out the new “Explore and Soar” area, with camel rides and a zipline! For more info, go to rwpzoo.org or call 401-785-3510.

Get your ice skates sharpened and head to the outdoor Newport Skating Center! For schedule and info, go to newportskatingcenter.com or call 401846-3018.

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Stroll through the whaling-era mansion and gardens at the Rotch-Jones-Duff House in New Bedford! Check out the “Little Black Dress” exhibit through October 31. For more info, call 508-997-1401 or go to rjdmuseum.org.

If you’re interested in the history of Japan-America ties, visit the WhitfieldManjiro Friendship House in Fairhaven, where it all began. Call 508-995-1219 or go to wmfriendshiphouse.org for details.

Explore 18th- and 19th-century life at the Handy House in Westport. For more info, visit wpthistory.org or call 508-6366011.

Wander through Linden Place in Bristol, the elegant mansion used as the setting for the movie The Great Gatsby.

For info, call 401-253-0390 or visit lindenplace.org.

Relive local American military history at the Fort Taber-Fort Rodman Museum in New Bedford! For info, call 508-9943938 or visit forttaber.org.

Classical acts

Don’t miss the FREE concert October 17 with Roberto Plano or The Sibelius Connection performed by the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra at the Zeiterion in New Bedford on November 26 – and plan ahead for the NBSO Family Holiday Pops Concerts on December 16! For info and tickets, visit nbsymphony.org.

Enjoy the new season of Festival Ballet Providence! “The Witch’s Broom” will be performed October 27-29 at The VETS. “Up Close on Hope” will be performed November 10-19 at the Black Box Theatre.

Plan ahead for “The Nutcracker” at the

PPAC December 15-17! For info or tickets, go to festivalballetprovidence.org or call 401-353-1129.

Rhode Island College’s Performing Arts Series presents talented musicians, actors, dancers and artists from around the world for all to enjoy! For a complete schedule of events, go to ric.edu/pfa or call 401-456-8144.

Listen to the Rhode Island Philharmonic’s performance of Russian masters on November 5, Brahms and Enigma November 18, and plan ahead for “Handel’s Messiah” on December 16! For info and tickets, go to riphil.org or call 401-2487000.

The New Bedford Symphony Orchestra and the South Coast Chamber Music Society will perform on November 18 at St. Gabriel’s Church in Marion, and on November 19 at St. Peter’s Church in Dartmouth. For details, call 508-9996276 or go to nbsymphony.org.

The Arts in the Village Concert Series presents Misuzu Tanaka on November 11 at Goff Memorial Hall in Rehoboth.

For more info, call 508-252-3031 or go to rehobothantiquarian.org.

Don’t miss “The Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff” on November 24-26, November 28 to December 1, performed by The Island Moving Company. For more info, go to islandmovingco.org or call 401-847-4470.

Make your reservations for Concerts at the Point in Westport with a performance by the Dover String Quartet October 15, the Walden Chamber Players November 12, and Ieva Jokubaviciute December 10.

For more info, call 508-636-0698 or visit concertsatthepoint.org.

Listen to the performances of the Tri-County Symphonic Band’s “Shades of Blue” on October 23 and the “Scholarship Showcase” on November 25 at Tabor Academy in Marion! For info, visit tricountysymphonicband.org.

Heavenly music

The Pilgrim Festival Chorus will present “A Hometown Christmas” on December 2 and 3 at St. Bonaventure Parish in Plymouth, and “Messiah and Carol Sing” on December 15 at the First Congregational Church in Middleboro. For more info, visit pilgrimfestivalchorus.org.

Listen to the performances of the TriCounty Symphonic Band! There’s the free annual “Children’s Christmas Concert” on December 11 at the Sippican School in Marion. For info and tickets, go to tricountysymphonicband.org.

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Join our waiting list today!

Don’t miss the Rhode Island Philharmonic’s performance of “Handel’s Messiah” on December 16! For info and tickets, call 401-248-7000 or go to riphil.org.

Adult communities for 55+ Join our extended family!

Mark your calendars! The Sippican Choral Society, along with the Sippican Children’s Chorus, will perform their Christmas Concert, featuring Schubert’s “Mass in G,” on December 1 at St. Lawrence Church in New Bedford, and on December 3 at Tabor Academy’s Wickenden Hall in Marion. For details, go to sippicanchoralsociety.org or call 508-7632327.

Safe, worry-free living with fun activities and friendly on-site management Oakwood

– Swansea – 508-324-1279

OakwoodSeniorEstates.com

South Coast sounds

Find out who’s on stage at the Spire Center for the Performing Arts of Greater Plymouth! There’s “Outermost Radio” film October 15, The Sea The Sea October 19, Tab Benoit November 9, Grace Morrison & Macalla November 10, Las Vegas impersonators The Edwards Twins November 11-12, Mary Fahl 11/17, Chrissie Poland November 24 – and more! For tickets and info, call 508-746-4488 or visit spirecenter.org.

Westport Village

North Farm

WestportVillageApartments.com

NorthFarmSeniorEstates.com

– 62+ Westport – 508- 636-6775

– Somerset – 508-676-9700

— Equal Housing Opportunity —

Mark your calendar for the monthly Paskamansett Concert Series at the Dartmouth Grange Hall. Cold Chocolate will perform on October 14. The Mud Daubers will perform on November 11, Mike Laureanno on December 9. For info, visit paskamansettconcertseries.weebly.com or call 401-241-3793.

Find out who’s playing at the Stone Church Coffeehouse at the First Congregational Church in Bristol. For info or tickets, call 401-253-4813 or 401-2537288.

The Narrows Center for the Arts in Fall River has a fabulous lineup – there’s Melvin Seals & JGB October 15, The Yardbirds October 28, Tom Rush November 4, Shawn Colvin November 8, Quinn Sullivan November 9, Los Lonely Boys November 11, Roomful of Blues November 24, Sarah Borges November 25, Johnny A December 1, The Smithereens December 2 – and more! For a complete

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Continued from previous page schedule, visit narrowscenter.com or call 508-324-1926.

For details, call 401-421-2787 or go to ppacri.org.

It’s all happening at the Z in New Bedford! For info, call 508-994-2900 or go to zeiterion.org.

Don’t miss Janet Jackson November 7, and the Rhode Island Comic Con November 10-12 at the Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence! For more info, call visit dunkindonutscenter.com or 401-3316700.

Get back to your musical roots at Common Fence Music in Portsmouth! There’s Laura Cortese & the Dance Cards October 20, The Honey Dewdrops October 21, the Full Moon Fest with various artists November 4, Rahim Al Haj November 18, Andy Statman Trio December 3 – and plan ahead for the Sweetback Sisters’ Country Christmas December 16! For a complete schedule and info, call 401-6835085 or go to commonfencemusic.org.

If you’re a fan of Americana and roots music, check out “Music in the Gallery” at the Wamsutta Club in New Bedford – Scotland’s Archie Fisher will perform on October 21. Enjoy the Holiday Concert with Matt and Shannon Heaton December 1. For tickets or info, go to brownpapertickets.com/events or contact korolenko8523@charter.net.

Find out what’s on stage at the Providence Performing Arts Center!

All the world’s a stage

Head for Trinity Rep in Providence to see “Death of a Salesman” through November 26 and “Skeleton Crew” through November 22. “A Christmas Carol” will be performed November 9 to December 31. For tickets and info, call 401-351-4242 or visit trinityrep.com.

Don’t miss the production of “Art” at the Marion Arts Center on November 1012, 17-18! For info, call 508-748-1266 or go to marionartcenter.org.

The Attleboro Community Theatre will present will present “Play On!” on October 15, 20-22, then “The Christmas Carol” on December 1-3, 8-10, 15-17! For more info, call 508-226-8100 or go to attleborocommunitytheatre.com.

It’s all happening at the Z in New Bedford! Don’t miss “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder” on October 27, “Tuesdays with Morrie” on November 4, and “A Christmas Carol” on December 9! For info, go to zeiterion.org or call 508-9942900.

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Check out who’s playing at “Live Music at the Bliss”at the Bliss Four Corners Congregational Church in Tiverton! For info, visit blissfourcornerschurch.org or call 401-624-4113.

Find out what’s going on at the Sandywoods Center for the Arts in Tiverton! The Rhode Island Songwriters will perform on November 3. For a complete schedule, go to sandywoodsmusic.com or call 401-241-7349.

Don’t miss the Chick Corea/Steve Gadd Band at The VETS in Providence on October 15! For info and tickets, go to first-works.org.

Enjoy live jazz on Saturdays through December at the Greenvale Vineyards in Portsmouth! For complete info, call 401847-3777 or go to greenvale.com.

The Burt Wood School of Performing Arts in Middleboro will present the musical “Elf Jr.” December 1-11 at The Alley Theatre. For more info, call 508-946-1071 or go to burtwoodschool.com.

Get ready for the new season at the Little Theatre of Fall River! “Annie” will be performed through October 15.

“Always…Patsy Cline” will be performed November 30 to December 3, December 7-10. For more info, go to littletheatre.net or call 508-675-1852.

Mark your calendars for the start of Your Theatre in New Bedford’s new season! “Vanya and Sonya and Masha and Spike” will be performed November 9-12, 16-19. For a complete schedule, call 508993-0772 or go to yourtheatre.org.

Find out what’s on stage at the Providence Performing Arts Center! Don’t miss “Finding Neverland” November 28-December 3, or “Kinky Boots” December 8-10! For details, call 401-421-2787 or go to ppacri.org.

N ov ember /D ecember 2017

Holiday shopping

Buy your holiday gifts, goodies and greenery at The Silverbrook Farm in Acushnet! For info, call 774-202-1027 or go to thesilverbrookfarm.com.

Don’t miss the Christmas Crafts Fair Weekend on November 24-26 at the Welcome Center at LaSalette Shrine in Attleboro! For details, call 508-222-5410 or go to lasalette-shrine.org.

Shop for that special gift at the “Artists for the Bay Show and Sale” on November 30 at the Save the Bay Center in Providence! For more info, call 401-272-3540 or visit savebay.org/art.

Get ready for the holidays on Girls Night Out November 4, and the Holiday Open House November 24-26 at Frerichs Farm in Warren! For more info, call 401245-8245 or visit frerichsfarm.com.

Don’t miss the “Old Time Holiday Fair” in Fairhaven on December 9! For more info, go to fairhaventours.com or call 508-979-4085.

Plan ahead for the “Made in Lakeville” Holidays Crafts and Gift Fair on December 2! For info, visit lakevillearts.com.

Enjoy a dinner-theatre night out at the Newport Playhouse! “The Crazy Time” will be performed through November 19. “Dashing Through the Snow” will be performed November 24 to December 31, plus there’s the special Sinatra & Peggy Lee Tribute November 26 and Las Vegas impersonators The Edwards Twins December 4-5, 11-12! For more info, go to newportplayhouse.com or call 401-8487529.

Enjoy the new theatre season with “Neighbors” October 26-November 12 performed by The Wilbury Group in Providence. “Church” will be performed December 7-23. For more info, call 401400-7100 or visit thewilburygroup.org.

Check out what’s playing at 2nd Story Theatre in Warren! “The Boys Next Door” will be performed through October 29.

“Crimes of the Heart” will be performed November 17-December 17. Call 401-2474200 or go to 2ndstorytheatre.com.

Stay active!

Southcoast Health and the Buzzards Bay Coalition have joined together to create “Discover Buzzards Bay,” an initiative to promote active outdoor recreation. A series of guided monthly outdoor walks, called “Sunday Strolls,” and an online portal with information about more than 100 public places to walk, cycle, fish and paddle, at savebuzzardsbay.org/discover.

Find out what’s going on at your local YMCA! For schedules and info, go to ymcasouthcoast.org.

Take a stroll through Paskamansett Woods, a nature reserve operated by the Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust. For more info, visit dnrt.org.

Practice yoga on Shell Point Beach in Wareham every Wednesday and Saturday! For details, go to onsetbay.org.

Go on nature walks at the Lloyd Center for the Environment! Explore Gooseberry Island Beach on November 19. For details, visit lloydcenter.org or call 508990-0505.

Explore nature trails or historic landmarks in Fall River, join a walking group!

T uesdays with Morrie - Zeiterion

A lways. . . Patsy Cline - Little Theatre

Learn more at walkfallriver.org or call 508-324-2405.

Check out the Norman Bird Sanctuary in Middletown! EcoTours for all ages, too.

For info, visit normanbirdsanctuary.org or call 401-846-2577.

Stroll through Mass Audubon’s Oak Knoll Wildlife Sanctuary and Nature Center in Attleboro! For more info, call 508-223-3060 or visit massaudubon.org.

Take a leisurely ramble through rural Westport – go to westportlandtrust.org.

Enjoy the trails, wildlife and scenery of the Mattapoisett River Reserve – leashed dogs welcome. Hike, fish, picnic, birdwatch, cross-country ski! For more info, go to savebuzzardsbay.org.

Jog along the Harbor Walk, a pedestrian/bike path atop the hurricane dike in New Bedford’s south end. Then, explore the Acushnet Sawmills public park and herring weir in the north end! Canoe/ kayak launch, fishing, trails. For more info, visit savebuzzardsbay.org.

Wander through the urban greenspace of the Allen C. Haskell Public Gardens in New Bedford – learn more at thetrustees.org or call 508-636-4693.

Or take a walk through the city’s Buttonwood Park and Zoo! For info, call 508-991-6178 or visit bpzoo.org.

Being good neighbors

My Brother’s Keeper of Dartmouth and Easton is looking for volunteers and gently-used residential furniture for families in need. Free pick up. Call 774-3054577 or visit mybrotherskeeper.org.

Pet Food Aid, a non-profit organization, collects pet food donations and distributes them to food banks throughout Bristol County. Volunteers and donations gratefully accepted. For more info, visit petfoodaid.org or call 774-204-5227.

Browse through the Oxford Book Café on Saturdays 9-1 at the Church of the Good Shepherd in north Fairhaven.

Coffee, used books on sale, WiFi. To learn more, visit goodshepherdfairhaven.com or call 508-995-1219.

If you’re near Newport, stroll through Ballard Park! For more info, go to ballardpark.org.

Death of a Salesman - trinity Rep The Boys Next Door - 2nd Story Theatre

Finding Neverland - PPAC

The Crazy Time - Newport Playhouse

S ou th C oast P r ime T imes

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N ov ember /D ecember 2017

31

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444 WILBUR AVENUE, SOMERSET, MA 02725  508-324-0200 